The U.S. experienced a sharp uptick in remote work during the pandemic out of necessity. But now, many businesses are turning to the Identity and Access Management (IAM) approach because of its numerous benefits. From saving money on overhead to improving work-life balance for employees, there are plenty of compelling reasons to make the shift, and nearly a fifth of the workforce is now working remotely. In fact, Upwork predicts that around 22% of the American workforce will be working remotely by next year.
Although it may be tempting to hop on this trend and start reaping the benefits right away, businesses need to establish that they take proper steps to secure their remote workforce – and IAM is an excellent way to accomplish this.
What Is IAM?
Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems are designed to manage an organization’s digital identities and control user access. This helps manage the remote workforce by only permitting authorized individuals to access sensitive company data and resources.
How Does IAM Help to Secure a Remote Workforce?
Outlined below are some of the top ways that IAM helps to secure your remote workforce.
Single Sign On
A single sign-on can streamline the login process by giving employees the ability to access multiple applications using just a single set of credentials.
This makes it more convenient for them, but perhaps more importantly, it reduces the chances of employees experiencing password fatigue, which is known to cause weak security practices.
Adaptive Authentication
IAM also uses adaptive authentication. After analyzing different risk factors, such as the device being used, the time access is being attempted, and the login location, adaptive authentication can adjust the authentication level required before a user can enter on the fly.
This can prevent unauthorized access during times of unexpected user behavior while avoiding burdening users with unnecessary steps when they are trying to access the system or data in lower-risk situations.
Compliance and Auditing
IAM systems can help an organization comply with the specific regulatory requirements that apply to its field by providing detailed reports on user activities and logs listing authentication attempts and access levels. By simplifying compliance, businesses can avoid the possibility of fines and other penalties associated with non-compliance.
More Secure Collaboration
Another way IAM can secure remote workforces is by facilitating the secure sharing of resources and credentials among an organization’s team members. This means that everybody will be able to enjoy the access they need to complete their role while maintaining control over who can access which information.
Tips for Securing Your Remote Workforce With IAM
Here are some best practices for ensuring your remote workforce enjoys optimal cybersecurity with IAM.
Choose Appropriate Software
There are numerous identity access management software systems on the market, and the best choice for your organization depends on the features and functions you need.
Consider factors such as how many employees you have working remotely, the type of applications they regularly use, the overall security of your IT infrastructure, and the type of data your remote employees need to access. It is also important to keep your security compliance obligations in mind when choosing identity management software.
Set Up a Zero Trust Philosophy
A zero trust philosophy operates on the belief that users and applications should not be trusted in general and need mandatory verification from both within and outside of the network when they need to access system resources and data. One way of embodying a zero trust philosophy in IAM is by implementing multifactor authentication for every login.
Review Accounts on a Regular Basis
It is important to carry out routine reviews of your organization’s accounts, authenticate and validate the identities of the system’s users, and monitor the database’s overall security.
It is also useful to guarantee that the accounts of users who have left your company have been fully removed from the network, as orphaned accounts are often targeted by hackers who are trying to breach a business.
Consider Using Single Sign On Authentication
If your organization’s remote employees need to use several applications at one time, keep in mind that it can be challenging for them to recall all of their login details.
This increases the likelihood of someone forgetting their own credentials or writing down all their passwords in a place where others could access them. A single sign on authentication can enable your remote employees to access your mobile apps, third-party systems, and web properties via a single identity for stress-free logins.
Secure Your Remote Workforce With Custom IT Solutions From Advantage.Tech
Is your organization looking to enjoy the many benefits of a remote workforce? Minimize the risk by working with the experienced team at Advantage.Tech. With 23 years in the industry, we can provide customized solutions that address all of your concerns and suit your budget. Contact Advantage Tech today for expert consultations and personalized IT solutions.